Dutch Philosopher
[1632-1677]
Spinioza received an education in medieval philosophical texts and also read the works of Decartes, Hobbes and other writers of the time. Descartes and Hobbes influence on Spinoza can be seen clearly in his main ideas.
From Descartes, he gained a mathetmatical love for the universe and used the same geometric principles to develop all his theories. In opposition to Descartes, Spinoza thought that the mind and body were different parts of a single substance, which he called God and nature. (More specifically, God is nature in its entirety).
From Hobbes, Spinoza took the idea of a social contract, but rejected Hobbes view of a community governed by self interest. Instead, Spinoza reasoned thar a virtuous person acts out of understandings. Freedom consists of following one's own nature and evil only exists if one acts opposite to this nature.
Spinoza's works include:
A Treatise on Religous and Political Philosophy
His Ethics, Political Treatise, and Hebrew Grammar
Other sources of information
The Window-Spinoza
Baruch Spinoza [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy]
A dedication to Spinoza's Insights
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